SOC QUIM&MIN SP ADR : résultat 1er trim 2012+marge nette 28%

ci2000

16 juin 2012 •17:37

Sociedad Quimica y Minera reported strong first quarter 2012 earnings of $150 million, an increase of 34.7% from the same period a year ago. Revenue totaled $529.6 million for the first quarter, an increase of 10.3% over the USD480 million reported in the same period of 2011.

EBITDA reached $26 million, an increase of 31% from the same period in 2011, with gross margins at a solid 45%. Net margin reached 28% in the first quarter, higher than the 23% achieved a year ago.

The commodities stock's strong results this quarter were driven mainly by higher iodine volumes together with an increase in average prices for all business lines, which boosted gross margins.

Prices and volumes of iodine increased solidly because of tight world supplies, leading to a 53% jump in revenue from this segment, which accounts for 40% of gross profit. Potash volumes continued to decline, but higher prices led to a 7% increase in revenue year over year, representing 22% of gross profit.

The company remains optimistic about the remainder of 2012, expecting a recovery of potash volumes and strong demand and pricing in the iodine and lithium markets. As a result, the company continues to implement its capital expenditure plan of $500 million for 2012, which should boost its production of iodine and potassium-based products by about 25% this year.

The most important single end-market for iodine is healthcare devices such as x-ray machines, accounting for 55% of all global consumption. Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) used for computer screens and televisions represent another fast-growing market for iodine. Although it's possible to replace iodine in LCDs, the alternatives are all considered inferior or more expensive.

The company is a solid value investment, with total debt of $1.4 billion and a cash position of $656 million. The company offers exposure to markets with fast-growing demand for most of its products, while supplies remain tight.